Ash disposal apparatus



May 31, 1932, R. A. FORESMAN ASH DISPOSAL APPARATUS Filed May 26, 1930 F'mJ.

INVENTOR Robert AForesman WITNESS Fae-.2.

ATTORNEY Patented May 31, 1932 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE ROBERT A. FORESMAN, 0F MOORES, PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOR TO WESTINGHOUSE ELECTRIC 6t MANUFACTURING COMPANY, A CORPORATION OF PENNSYLVANIA ASH DISPOSAL APPARATUS Application filed May 26 My invention relates to elastic sealing means for shafts, and it has for a broad object to provide apparatus of this character which is of improved construction and whlch functions in an efficient manner. a In clinker pits and like apparatus, it IS customary to provide within the lower portion thereof one or more grinder rolls for grinding out the ash and clinker. These grinder rolls are usually driven from-the eX- terior of the pit and in order that this may be eiiectively done, the rolls are provided with end portions which extend through the walls and are connected with the driving means.

It is necessary that the interior of a clinker pit'be sealed with respect to the exterior thereof at all times, for the control of flow of air and gaseous products of combustion in the clinker grinder pit and from the latter to the furnace is just as necessary as to active grate sections. The lower end of the clinker pit is sometimes sealed by Water, and the level of this water is carried adjacent the rolls to perform the additional function of maintaining the rolls in a cool condition. In the latter case, it is necessary that the opening through the clinker pit wall be sealed, so as to prevent the escape of Water.

Heretofore, considerable difiiculty has been experienced in sealing the opening in the clinker pit wall through which the grinder roll extends, for the reason that, due to the unusual stresses and strains imposed upon the grinder rolls during operation, the rolls may become warped and hence do not rotate about their center lines. It is, therefore, necessary that a sealing means be provided for the rolls which will maintain the desired seal and permit accommodation on account of warping or any other deformation or displacement of the roll or rolls ordinarily making sealing difiicult.

More particularly, therefore, it is an object of this invention to provide an effective sealing means between the grinder roll and the wall of the clinker pit through which the roll extends, which sealing means is elastic in character and thereby permits eccentric movements of the roll.

1930. Serial No. 455,750.

These and other objects are effected by my invention, as will be apparent from the fol-- lowing description and claims taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this application, in which: Fig. 1 is a fragmentary, sectional view through a clinker pit showing my improved means for sealing the grinder roll; and,

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary, sectional view taken on the line II--II of Fig. 1.

According to a referred embodiment of the invention, whic is shown on the accompanying drawings, I provide an elastic sealing means for that portion of the grinder roll which extends through the opening in the clinker pit wall. The elastic sealing means comprises a metallic bushing engaging and fixed to the grinder shaft, a rubber sleeve embracing and rotatable with the bushing, a metallic sleeve embracing and rotatable with the rubber sleeve, and a packing means en aging the exterior of the metallic sleeve ang closin the spacebetween the latter and the cli er pit wall. The rubber sleeve permits the grinder roll to have eccen tric movements due to warps, etc. and such sleeve in conjunction with the remaining structure insures the seal between the exterior and interior of the pit.

Referring now in detail to the construction illustrated, the reference numeral 10 indicates a clinker pit including an upright wall 11 having an opening 12 therethrough. A grinder roll 13 is disposed within the clinker pit and includes a shaft having an end portion 14, which latter extends throu h the opening 12 in the wall. The grin er roll 13 is shown as being partially immersed in water.

A metallic bushing 15 embraces the end portion 14 of the shaft and is keyed thereto as indicated at 16. An elastic sleeve 17 surrounds the bushing, and portions of the sleeve are embedded within suitable grooves 18 formed in the bushing in order that the elastic sleeve may rotate with the bushing. A metallic sleeve 19 embraces the elastic sleeve 17. The elastic sleeve is embedded within grooves 20 formed in the inner periphery of the metallic sleeve so that the metallic sleeve will rotate with the elastic sleeve. The sleeve 17 ma be made of any suitable elastic .material. referably, however, the

' sleeve is a soft and pliable rubber. In order that the sleeve 19, bushing 15 and rubber sleeve 17 may be firmly secured against relative rotation, the rubber sleeve is vulcanized in lace between the metallic sleeve and busiiing. It is to be observed, however, that insofar as certain aspects of my invention are concerned these parts may be secured against relative rotation in any suitable manner.

A acking means 22 is provided for closing the space between the sleeve 19 and the inner peripher of the opening in the clinker pit wall. his packing means comprises a stufling box 23 having flange portions 24 secured by bolts 25 to the clinker pit wall and about the opening 12; packing rings 26 disposed within the stufiing box and closely engaging the exterior surfaces of the metallic sleeve 19; and a gland member 27 bolted to the stufiing box 23 and engaging the packing rings 26 for holding such rings firmly in position.

The above described construction provides, at all times, an effective seal between the interior and exterior of the pit even though the grinder roll becomes warped. The elastic sleeve permits the warped movements of the grinder roll shaft.

While I have shown my invention in but one form, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that it is not so limited but is susceptible of various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof, and I desire, therefore, that only such limitations shall be placed thereupon as are imposed by the prior art or as are specifically set forth in the appended claims.

What I claim is 1. In ash disposal apparatus, the combination with a clinker pit including an upright wall having an opening therethrough and a grinder roll disposed within the pit and submerged in water and having a portion thereof extendin through the opening in the wall; of an e ast-ic sealing means for the grinder roll comprising a la er of elastic material surroundin the portlon of said shaft extending throng the opening and rotatable therewith, a metallic sleeve embracing and rotatable with the elastic material, and packing means engaging the outer surface of the metallic sleeve and closing the space between such sleeve and the opening in the wall structure.

2. In ash dis osal apparatus, the combination with a re se pit including an upright wall having an opening therethrough and a grinder roll disposed within the pit and submerged in water and having a portion thereof extending through the opening in the wall; of an elastic sealing means for the grinder roll com rising a sleeve of elastic material surroun ing the portion of said shaft extending through the opening and rotatable therewith, a metallic sleeve embracin and firmly secured to the elastic sleeve and aving a cylindrical outer surface forming a journel portion, and packing means having an inner bearing surface engaging the journal portion of the metallic sleeve and closing the space between the metallic sleeve and the portions of the wall definin such openin 3. In ash dis 0525 apparatus, t e combination with a re use pit including an upri ht wall having an opening therethrough and a grinder roll disposed within the pit and submerged in water and having a portion thereof extending through the opening in the wall; of an elastic sealing means for the grinder roll comprising a metallic bushing surrounding and firmly fixed to that portion of the shaft extending through the opening, a layer of elastic material embracing and secured to the bushing, a metallic sleeve embracing and secured to the elastic material and having a cylindrical outer surface forming a journal ortion, and a stationary packing means having an inner bearing surface engaging the journal ortion of the metallic sleeve and closing t e space between the metallic sleeve and that portion of the wall defining the opening.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name this 23rd day of Ma 1930.

ROBERT A. F ORES AN. 

